How to Use a Hand-Held Sewing Machine

Written by kay patterson

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Threads ranging from No. 40 to No. 60 are advised for a hand-held sewing machine. (thread image by studio vision 1 from Fotolia.com)

Hand-held sewing machines offer portability and convenience at an affordable price. The trade-off is stability: Because the machine is held in your hand, steady and even stitches can be difficult to achieve. Also, hand-held machines do not offer a variety of stitch styles, options and adjustments common on full-size machines.

Skill level:

Moderate

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Things you need

No. 40 to No. 60 thread

Bobbin

Fabric

Seam ripper

Needle threader

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Instructions

Threading the Machine

1

Place the bobbin on the bobbin spool, on the side of the machine, with the thread exiting the bobbin in a counterclockwise direction.

2

Wrap the thread over (but not around) the tension control, a spindle on the side of the machine above the needle.

3

Insert thread into the eye of the needle on the side closest to the tension control. Pull a few extra inches of thread through the needle.

Sewing With a Hand-Held Machine

1

Lift the machine's presser foot, above the bottom arm of the machine and below the needle.

2

Align fabric under the presser foot and lower the foot.

3

Complete the first stitch by turning the hand wheel on the side of the machine until the needle completes one full cycle of lowering then raising.

4

Hold the machine in your right hand and use your thumb to operate the power button. Use your left hand to guide the fabric.

5

To change the direction of your stitches, adjust the position of the fabric while the needle is lowered.

To Finish a Seam

1

When seam is completely stitched, use the hand wheel to raise the needle.

2

Insert the dull, back side of a seam ripper behind the thread and pull out about 3 inches of thread. Use the sharp side of the seam ripper to cut the thread at that point.

3

Turn the fabric over and look for a loop of thread at the end of the seam.

4

With the back side of the seam ripper inserted into the loop, pull upward to bring the thread through the fabric.

5

Tuck the wiry eye of the needle threader under the last stitch on the back side of the fabric. Insert about 1 inch of the loose end of thread into the wiry eye of the threader.

6

Tug the threader (and the thread it contains) back under the last stitch on the fabric. Pull the thread end tight to complete the seam.